Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK PART 1: PRINCIPLES Consultation Draft (v8) December 2014 Foreword The Borough Council’s Five Year Plan sets out a range of proposals and key projects over the next five years. The production of this Urban Design Framework forms a part in achieving this Vision. The aim of this Framework is to set out the attributes of the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells and to provide a wider long term perspective of where the town wants to be. The Framework and other associated guidance aims to ensure that all future work in the public realm and on development sites in the town will comply with a coherent plan and support a consistency in design and quality, and to maintain local distinctiveness. We are therefore confident that this Framework will give all parties guidance in achieving this and to work towards a town that is attractive, vibrant and viable. Contents 1 Introduction 1.1 Background 1.2 Purpose 1.3 Approach and scope 2 Policy context 2.1 National and Strategic policy 2.2 Connected documents and strategies 2.3 Status of the Urban Design Framework 2.4 Consultation 2.5 Implementation and Phasing 3 Context & Overview 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Movement 3.3 Distinctive Quarters 3.4 Townscape 3.5 Street Detail 4 Key Issues (Objectives, vision) 4.1 Assets 4.2 Issues to address 4.3 Objectives 5 Framework 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Movement Framework/Street Hierarchy 5.3 Public Realm Framework 5.4 Development Framework 6 General policy & Design issues 6.1 Development Policy 6.2 Area specific Policy 6.3 Site specific Policy 6.4 Topic based Policies 7 Delivery & Implementation 7.1 Relationship to other policy 7.2 Funding 7.3 Phasing Draft ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS: URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK ROYAL TUNBRIDGLWELLS HRBAN_DESIGN_EBAMEWORK 1 Introduction 1.1 Background 1.1.1 Royal Tunbridge Wells is a town of historic significance, located in an area of outstanding character. It lies at the heart of the sub-regional area of West Kent/East Sussex, providing focus for employment, tourism and housing. 1.1.2 It is a beautiful English town, but unlike other towns, Tunbridge Wells was never of defensive importance, nor placed at a strategic crossroads or river crossing. Neither did it develop around a market or an industry. From the 17th century onwards, it has specifically developed as a residential spa town, with such commercial development as has been necessary to support that residential use. 1.1.3 As a result of its unique history, with no castle, cathedral or major industrial complex, its built development is characterized more by domestic-scaled self-effacing architecture. The town grew up as a series of enclaves with its residential areas being close to the centre, making it very accessible for pedestrians and not despoiled by major road schemes. The town centre contains a wide mix of uses including residential, which brings an intimacy as well as vitality. 1.1.4 The topography and the various views across the town’s roofscape and skyline are one of the towns defining features. With a large common in the heart of the town, other green spaces and large verdant gardens it gives it a strong arcadian character, reflecting its wider location in an outstanding countryside around and sitting as a gateway to the High Weald. 1.1.5 Its good schools, beautiful environment and improving transport make it a pleasant and desirable place to live which in turn brings their own pressures. Sometimes described as a large village, Tunbridge Wells has a strong community with lively out- spoken citizens, who are passionate about protecting the character of their town whilst recognizing the need for managed change. 1.1.6 The town has aspirations and a vision to be a better place, providing a continuing focus for the region, preserving the best of the past and being fit for the future. 1.1.7 To fulfil this vision, the town centre needs to reflect its role and realize its potential. We intend it to be a place that attracts investment, meets the particular needs of the area and is a focus for culture, properly fulfilling its sub-regional role. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is determined to create a successful, vibrant, attractive and sustainable town centre. 1.1.8 The town is at a point in its historical evolution where a number of opportunities are evident and addressing other issues is necessary. It is also recognised that the role of the town centre needs to adapt to, and embrace, changing retail patterns, the increase in leisure and a desire for the cultural offer to be improved. This is also December 2014 Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan 1 Draft ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS: URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK against a background of changing demographics in our community. 1.2 Purpose of the Urban Design Framework 1.2.1 The Urban Design Framework is intended to provide an overall blueprint for all development activity in Tunbridge Wells town centre, based on its distinctive form and character. It seeks to identify clear roles for the primary public spaces of the town centre and so form the basis for the enhancement and management of those spaces and the development frontages that define them. It also gives indications of the appropriate style and character of key street elements and materials used in the public realm. Where appropriate, the Urban Design Framework can indicate the roles of public agencies and the private sector in implementing its objectives. 1.2.2 The preparation of this Framework and other associated guidance is aimed at fulfilling the Borough Council’s intention of preparing such guidance, which was previously to have been delivered through a Town Centre Area Action Plan. 1.3 Approach and Scope of the Urban Design Framework 1.3.1 The assessment and proposals within this document relate primarily to the streets, spaces and sites within the defined town centre boundary. It relates to the mix of uses and movements patterns closely associated with the town centre rather than the residential areas. Whilst the principles set out within the Framework respond specifically to the town centre context, they could also be applied elsewhere in the town. 1.3.2 The analysis is based on a site collection of information and based on qualitative and observational study, rather than detailed quantitative data collection. It also draws upon direct experience of the town, related studies and inputs over recent years through other forums and panels. 1.3.3 The Framework does not make detailed proposals for specific sites or streets, junctions or spaces. Rather, concepts are put forward as generic principles and guidance and more specific design proposals will need to be developed for the actual implementation. Detailed proposals (whether for public realm or site developments), will need to take account of the specific spatial, functional and movement issues for that particular situation, as well as the planning policy context. 1.4 Structure of the Urban Design Framework 1.4.1 The overall Framework is a composite of three strands of analysis that provide: a. a movement framework, expressed as a hierarchy of streets based on distinctive character appropriate to their function and usage; b. a public realm framework that defines key spaces according to their principal functions and interrelationships; and c. a development framework that indicates the building lines, massing and form of development. December 2014 Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan 2 Draft ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS: URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK 1.4.2 The Framework is set out in two main parts: Part 1: Principles (this document), which provides analysis of Tunbridge Wells town centre and the opportunities it presents, finishing with a summary schedule of initiatives within the Framework that will, over time, contribute to improvement and enhancement of the town centre Part 2: Opportunities. The second supplementary document provides indicative concept illustrations and schemes of some of the key public realm opportunities identified in the Framework 1.4.3 Additionally, it is intended that further guidance is developed on: Urban Codes: comprising the Development Framework providing design guidance on character. These will be based on key design principles for each quarter and informed by character assessments, in order to create a strong sense of place throughout the town centre and to ensure that development is responsive to each of the town’s character areas Topic guides: on issues and subjects of particular relevance to the town that require further detail, e.g. art in the public realm, paving materials, lighting and views/landmarks 1.4.4 It is intended that more detailed work will come forward on these in the form of SPDs, notes and guidance. 1.4.5 It is intended that the Framework will therefore comprise a suite of related documents, which will be prepared over time. These elements of work will be collated into the Framework and will provide the context for more detailed development briefs on specific sites. December 2014 Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan 3 Draft ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS: URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK Figure 1.1 Diagram illustrating relationships of the suite of UD documents 2 Policy Context 2.1 National and strategic policy 2.1.1 There is a range of National and other policy which supports the preparation of Urban Design Strategies and other guidance, which draw together a number of strands. For example, the National Planning Policy Framework, sets out the reasoning for a strategy to include, for example: 2. Ensuring the vitality of town centres 7. Requiring good design 12. Conserving and enhancing the historic environment 2.1.2 Within the existing adopted Core Strategy, Core Policy 9: Development in Royal Tunbridge Wells emphasises the role of the Town Centre as a focal point for a mix of employment, retail and complementary uses.